Best Credit Cards for Dining and Groceries

Best Credit Cards for Dining and Groceries

A woman holding a credit card in her hand, seated next to a bag of groceries in a cozy room with warm lighting. The scene emphasizes credit card benefits for dining and grocery purchases.

Overview

When it comes to managing everyday expenses like dining out and buying groceries, having the right credit card can make a big difference. Many credit cards offer cashback, rewards, and other perks that help you save money on these essential purchases. In this article by Academic Block, we’ll explore some of the best credit cards for dining and groceries, how they work, and what to look for when choosing one.

Why Choose a Credit Card for Dining and Groceries?

Dining and grocery shopping are common expenses in most households. By using a credit card that offers specific rewards or cashback for these purchases, you can:

  1. Save money with cashback or discounts.

  2. Earn rewards points that can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or other perks.

  3. Simplify budgeting by tracking your spending in one place.

Choosing the right card depends on your spending habits, the type of rewards you prefer, and the fees associated with the card.

Top Credit Cards for Dining and Groceries

Here’s a detailed look at some of the best credit cards available for dining and grocery expenses:

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

  1. Rewards : 3x points on dining, 2x points on groceries (when purchased through online retailers), and 1x on other purchases.

  2. Annual Fee : $95

  3. Sign-Up Bonus : Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months (worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®).

  4. Why It’s Great : Flexible redemption options and high rewards for dining make it a strong choice for food lovers.

2. American Express® Gold Card

  1. Rewards : 4x Membership Rewards® points at restaurants and 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year, then 1x).

  2. Annual Fee : $325

  3. Sign-Up Bonus : Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months.

  4. Why It’s Great : One of the highest earning rates for groceries, plus exclusive dining benefits like a $10 monthly dining credit.

3. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

  1. Rewards : 6% cashback on groceries (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%), 3% cashback at U.S. restaurants, and 1% on other purchases.

  2. Annual Fee : $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.

  3. Sign-Up Bonus : Earn $250 in statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first six months.

  4. Why It’s Great : Best for families who spend heavily on groceries.

4. Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

  1. Rewards : 3% cashback on dining, entertainment, groceries, and select streaming services.

  2. Annual Fee : $0

  3. Sign-Up Bonus : Earn $200 after spending $500 in the first three months.

  4. Why It’s Great : A no-annual-fee card with competitive cashback rates for dining and groceries.

5. Citi Custom Cash℠ Card

  1. Rewards : 5% cashback on your top spending category each billing cycle (up to $500, then 1%), including groceries and dining.

  2. Annual Fee : $0

  3. Sign-Up Bonus : Earn $200 after spending $750 in the first three months.

  4. Why It’s Great : Automatic rewards based on spending habits, making it ideal for flexible spenders.

6. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

  1. Rewards : 3% cashback in a category of your choice (including dining), 2% at grocery stores, and 1% on all other purchases.

  2. Annual Fee : $0

  3. Sign-Up Bonus : Earn $200 after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.

  4. Why It’s Great : Customizable rewards categories to fit your lifestyle.

7. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

  1. Rewards : 2% unlimited cashback on all purchases, including dining and groceries.

  2. Annual Fee : $0

  3. Sign-Up Bonus : Earn $200 after spending $1,000 in the first three months.

  4. Why It’s Great : A simple flat-rate cashback card with no spending caps.

Credit Card
Annual Fee
Rewards
Sign-Up Bonus
Why It’s Great
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
$95
3x points on dining, 2x points on groceries (online), 1x points on other purchases
60,000 points after spending $4,000 in 3 months (worth $750 via Chase Ultimate Rewards®)
Flexible redemption options and high rewards for dining make it ideal for food lovers.
American Express® Gold Card
$325
4x points at restaurants, 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 annually, then 1x)
60,000 points after spending $4,000 in 6 months
Highest grocery earning rate and exclusive dining benefits, including $10 monthly credit.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
$0 for the first year, then $95
6% cashback on groceries (up to $6,000/year, then 1%), 3% cashback at U.S. restaurants, 1% on other purchases
$250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in 6 months
Best for families with high grocery spending.
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
$0
3% cashback on dining, entertainment, groceries, and select streaming services
$200 after spending $500 in 3 months
No annual fee and competitive cashback rates for dining and groceries.
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
$0
5% cashback on top spending category (up to $500 per month, then 1%), including dining and groceries
$200 after spending $750 in 3 months
Flexible rewards based on your spending habits, ideal for dynamic spenders.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
$0
3% cashback in chosen category (including dining), 2% at grocery stores, 1% on other purchases
$200 after spending $1,000 in 90 days
Customizable rewards categories to suit your preferences.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
$0
2% unlimited cashback on all purchases, including dining and groceries
$200 after spending $1,000 in 3 months
Simple flat-rate cashback card with no spending limits.

Features to Look for in Dining and Grocery Credit Cards

When selecting a card, here are some important features to consider:

  1. Cashback Rate : Look for cards that offer a high cashback rate (e.g., 2%-5%) on dining and grocery purchases.

  2. Rewards Categories : Some cards have bonus categories for dining and groceries, while others offer flat-rate rewards.

  3. Annual Fees : Check if the annual fee is worth the rewards and benefits you’ll earn.

  4. Sign-Up Bonuses : Many cards offer sign-up bonuses that can provide immediate value.

  5. Foreign Transaction Fees : If you dine out internationally, choose a card with no foreign transaction fees.

  6. Redemption Options : Ensure the card’s rewards program offers flexibility in how you can use your points or cashback.

How to Maximize Your Credit Card Benefits for Dining and Groceries

To get the most out of your dining and grocery credit card, follow these tips:

  1. Focus Spending : Use your card exclusively for dining and grocery purchases to maximize rewards.

  2. Combine Cards : Pair a dining/grocery card with another card that offers high rewards in other categories for comprehensive benefits.

  3. Pay in Full : Avoid interest charges by paying off your balance in full every month.

  4. Track Rewards : Regularly check your rewards balance and redeem them before they expire.

  5. Watch for Promotions : Take advantage of special promotions or limited-time offers for bonus rewards.

Final Words

The best credit card for dining and groceries depends on your spending habits and preferences. If you’re looking for high cashback rates, consider the Blue Cash Preferred® Card. For flexible rewards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or American Express® Gold Card might be better options. And if you want a no-annual-fee option, the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great pick.

By understanding your needs and comparing features, you can choose a card that helps you save money and enjoy rewarding benefits every time you dine out or shop for groceries. We hope you enjoyed this article by Academic Block. Your feedback is important to us. Please leave a comment to share your thoughts and help us make our content even better. Thank You for Reading!

This Article will answer your questions like:

+ What is the best dining credit card? >

The best dining credit card typically offers high rewards rates on dining expenses, like the American Express® Gold Card. This card offers 4X points on restaurants worldwide, making it ideal for frequent diners. Additionally, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card provides 2X points on dining and is a great choice for people who also want travel rewards. Consider your needs and spending habits to select the best dining credit card for you.

+ What are the best dining and grocery credit cards? >

Top dining and grocery credit cards combine rewards for both categories. The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers 6% cash back on groceries (up to $6,000 per year) and 3% on dining. Similarly, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers 2X points on both dining and grocery store purchases, making it a versatile choice. Evaluate your spending patterns to pick the right card that aligns with your goals.

+ What credit card gives you 6% back on groceries? >

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers an impressive 6% cash back on groceries, up to $6,000 per year. After reaching this limit, the rewards drop to 1%. This card also provides 3% cash back on dining, making it an excellent choice for families or individuals who spend heavily on groceries and dining. It comes with an annual fee, so consider whether your grocery spending justifies the cost.

+ Why do grocery stores offer cash back? >

Grocery stores offer cash back as an incentive to attract customers and increase sales. It benefits both the store and the customer—customers appreciate the immediate value they get, while stores encourage repeat visits. Many grocery stores partner with credit cards or loyalty programs to offer cash back, boosting customer loyalty. It’s also a strategic move to increase foot traffic and promote store brand items or specific categories of products.

+ Is it better to pay groceries with a credit card or debit card? >

Paying for groceries with a credit card offers benefits such as cashback, rewards points, and fraud protection. Many credit cards offer rewards on grocery purchases, providing added value. Debit cards, on the other hand, draw directly from your checking account without any associated rewards. If you’re trying to earn rewards or manage your budget, using a credit card for grocery purchases is often the better option, as long as you pay it off promptly to avoid interest.

+ Is fast food considered dining for credit card rewards? >

Yes, fast food typically counts as dining for credit card rewards, but it depends on the card issuer’s definition. Most credit cards that offer dining rewards include fast food restaurants under the dining category, making it eligible for the associated rewards rate. Cards like the American Express® Gold Card offer 4X points on restaurants, including fast food. Always review the specific terms of your credit card to confirm what qualifies as dining for rewards.

+ What credit card gives 6% on groceries? >

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is one of the few credit cards offering 6% cash back on groceries, up to $6,000 annually. After that, the rewards revert to 1%. It also provides 3% cash back on dining and transit, making it a great all-around option for grocery shoppers. However, this card has an annual fee, so it’s ideal for those who spend significantly on groceries to justify the cost.

+ Does Uber Eats count as dining Amex? >

Yes, Uber Eats counts as dining for American Express (Amex) cards that offer dining rewards. The American Express® Gold Card, for instance, provides 4X points on dining, including restaurant deliveries like those from Uber Eats. This makes it a great choice for those who frequently use delivery services for meals. Always check the terms of your specific Amex card to confirm that delivery services are included under dining rewards.

+ Does Uber Eats count as dining Bilt? >

Yes, Uber Eats does count as dining for the Bilt Mastercard, which offers 3X points on dining, including takeout and delivery services like Uber Eats. This makes it a good choice for users who often order food for delivery. Bilt’s flexibility in earning points on a wide range of dining options, including delivery apps, sets it apart in terms of rewards structure for food-related expenses.

+ What card should I use for groceries? >

The best card for groceries largely depends on your spending habits. The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers 6% cash back on groceries (up to $6,000 per year), making it a top choice for families. If you prefer travel rewards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers 2X points on groceries and other everyday spending. Compare the rewards, fees, and benefits to select the best card for your grocery shopping needs.

+ Which credit card is best for food shopping? >

The best credit card for food shopping depends on your needs. The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers 6% cash back on groceries, making it an excellent choice for frequent shoppers. Alternatively, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card provides 2X points on grocery purchases, ideal for those seeking travel rewards. Consider factors like annual fees and additional benefits when choosing the right card for your grocery needs.

+ Best Credit Card for gas and groceries no annual fee. >

The best credit card for gas and groceries with no annual fee is the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express. This card offers 3% cash back on groceries (up to $6,000 per year) and 2% cash back at U.S. gas stations, making it ideal for families and frequent travelers. Additionally, it has no annual fee, providing a straightforward and cost-effective way to earn rewards on your everyday purchases.

+ What are the best cash back credit cards for dining and groceries? >

The best cash back credit cards for dining and groceries include the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, offering 6% cash back on groceries (up to $6,000 annually) and 3% on dining. The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is another great choice, offering 5% cash back on rotating categories, including groceries and dining. For a more flexible rewards program, the Citi® Double Cash Card offers 2% cash back on all purchases, including dining and groceries.

+ Why High-End Credit Cards Offer Dining Benefits Over Grocery Cashback? >

High-end credit cards offer dining benefits over grocery cashback because dining is typically a more profitable category for card issuers. These cards, like the American Express® Gold Card, offer generous rewards for dining expenses to attract frequent travelers and high-spending consumers. Grocery purchases tend to be higher in volume but lower in profit margins, so high-end cards focus more on dining rewards to appeal to affluent customers who dine out more regularly and spend more on restaurant-related expenses.